Public Health & Safety Information

In September 2017, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) launched its “Let’s Talk Cannabis,” health information and education campaign, detailing what’s legal in California and the potential health impacts of cannabis use. Senate Bill 94 (SB 94) – Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) – makes it legal for adults 21 or older to possess, consume and cultivate cannabis in California. Sale of cannabis from licensed retail outlets became legal January 1, 2018. The campaign emphasizes the following points:

The scientific basis for restricting access of cannabis and cannabis products for persons under the age of 21 years.

The penalties for providing access to cannabis and cannabis products to persons under the age of 21 years.

The potential harms of using cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding.

The potential harms of overusing cannabis or cannabis products.

On CDPH’s website, individuals can find information about legal, safe and responsible use, and health information for youth, pregnant and breastfeeding women, parents and mentors, and health care providers. CDPH produced fact sheets with safe storage tips and the important things Californians need to know about purchasing and possessing cannabis for personal use. An educational digital toolkit for local governments and community organizations will be available in the future. CDPH has and will continue to incorporate the latest data available into public messages to increase awareness about how cannabis affects bodies, minds and health. For more information on CDPH’s cannabis education campaign, visit their website here.